Opening a Business Bank Account in Ireland — K&L Global

K&L Global prepares your full KYC document pack and co-ordinates Irish corporate bank account introductions. Know exactly what AIB, Bank of Ireland, and others require.

Why preparation matters

Every Irish bank is required by the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, as amended, to conduct KYC and AML checks on all new corporate customers. The requirements vary between banks, but the core documents are consistent.

The most common reasons for delay or rejection: incomplete corporate documents, directors who cannot attend in person for identity verification, a business activity the bank treats as elevated risk, or a company whose Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) are based in jurisdictions the bank considers high-risk.

K&L Global prepares your full document pack before you approach any bank. We advise on which banks are most suitable for your business type, transaction profile, and the countries your directors and shareholders are based in.

Which bank?

We have working knowledge of the documentation at the following institutions:

For companies that need a full Irish bank account with branch access, cash lodgements, and standing orders, AIB or Bank of Ireland are the standard choice. For companies that can operate fully digitally and whose transactions are primarily card-based or online transfers, Revolut Business is a faster and less document-intensive option.

We do not have a referral arrangement with any bank. Our advice is based on which institution's requirements and processes are best suited to your specific situation.

Document checklist — corporate account opening in Ireland (2026)

Requirements vary by bank Always confirm current requirements directly with your chosen bank before your appointment.

Business purpose documentation: Most Irish banks require some evidence of the business's purpose and expected transaction profile before opening a corporate account. A two-page business plan describing what the company does, who its customers are, and what currencies and transaction volumes it expects is usually sufficient. K&L Global prepares this on your behalf.

What K&L Global does

1. Pre-application review: We      review your company and director documents and identify any gaps before      you approach a bank.

2. Bank selection advice: We      advise on which bank is most appropriate for your business type,      transaction volumes, and the countries where directors and shareholders      are based.

3. Document preparation: We      prepare and organise your complete KYC pack in the format each bank      expects.

4. Business plan assistance: Where      required, we draft a short business plan in the format banks prefer.

5. Appointment co-ordination: We      contact the bank's business banking team, arrange the appointment, and      confirm what originals to bring.

6. Follow-up: We track the      application and respond to any bank requests for additional information.

Notes on non-resident directors

Irish banks require all directors and UBOs to be identity-verified. For non-resident directors who cannot attend an Irish branch in person, options include: